How to Set a Minimum Charge for Pressure Washing Jobs

What a small job really costs

Driving to the job, unloading the machine, running hoses, and packing up can take 45 minutes before any washing happens. Without a minimum, a small patio can pay less than the fuel it took to get there.

Calculate yours

Use one hour of total time as a floor. At $45/hour pay with $3 of chemicals, $5 setup, 15% overhead and a 20% margin, the minimum comes out around $80. If your average drive is longer, use more time.

Present it simply

Put “Minimum service charge” as its own line on your price list. Customers rarely push back on a printed minimum; they push back on surprises.

Use it to upsell

When a job comes in under the minimum, suggest adding the walkway, steps, or trash-can pad. The customer gets more value and you hit a profitable ticket.